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The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan was developed to replace the
ageing T-6/SNJ Texan in U.S.A.F and U.S. Navy service. Designed by North
American Aviation as Model NA-159 the XT-28A prototype was flying for
the first time on 26 September 1949, powered by a 800 hp Wright R-1300
Cyclone 7 single-row radial. A total of 1194 examples of the T-28A model
being ordered. However in 1952, the more powerful Wright R-1820-86
Cyclone 9 cylinder air-cooled radial engine was installed, and existing
orders for the T-28A were transferred to this 1425 hp R-1820-86 engined
model T-28B. The U.S. Navy standardised on a shipboard version of the
T-28B model: the T-28C. The T-28C made his maiden flight as Model NA-226
on 19 September 1955. Basic versions delivered to the U.S.A.F. were the
T-28A; T-28B. Navy versions were the T-28A; T-28B; the DT-28B
drone-director aircraft and the shipboard T-28C Trojan. When production
terminated in the autumn of 1957, a total of 1948 T-28 basic trainers
had been manufactured for the U.S.A.F. and the U.S. Navy. After regular
production of the T-28 was terminated North American Aviation received
production contracts covering conversion of a total of 321 T-28As to the
T-28D configuration between 1961 and 1969. In addition Sud-Aviation in
France upgraded a total of 147 surplus ex-U.S. Air Force T-28As into the
T-28S reconnaissance-attack aircraft configuration on behalf of the
French Air Force. |
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North American T-28C Trojan N556EB was one of the highlights of the International Old Timer Fly-in 2004 at Schaffen-Diest
aerodrome in Belgium. History of this airframe began in 1955, when it was one of
a batch of 218 T-28C ordered (bureau # 140449 - 140666); the airframe was delivered to the
US Navy using the Bu. # 140566. After being withdrawn from use with the US Navy the airframe
was sold in December 1985 to Emil F.Blomberg in Reno, Nevada. The "140566" was
restored into flying condition and was airworthy again on 29 July 1987. The aircraft was transferred
that year to Sonoma Valley Aircraft Limited, Sonoma, California. In 1988, Trojan N556EB was
transferred to Robert D. Marshall, San Rafael, California. On 19 October 1998, Sky Gate Aviation Inc.
Owner Trustee became registered owner of the N556EB. In 1999, the N556EB arrived crated in
Belgium and is based at St. Gishlain airfield in Belgium since. In August 2000, the T-28 was painted
in the original red and white colours as US Navy 140566 / 252 / 5T138. The aircaft is operated by S.Verlie. |
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